Two Dairy Farm Workers Found Dead Inside Milk Cooling Tank In Humansdorp

Police have opened an inquest docket following the recovery of two bodies from a milk cooling tank at a dairy farm in Humansdorp.

The victims, aged 27 and 54, were discovered during a joint rescue operation on Wednesday afternoon.

Rescue Teams Recover Bodies From Humansdorp Milk Cooling Tank

According to the South African Police Service, emergency teams launched a rescue operation at approximately 16:29 on 20 May 2026.

The operation involved SAPS Search and Rescue, Humansdorp EMS, EMS Training and the Humansdorp Fire Rescue Unit. Officials used a specialised 3:1 rope system during the recovery mission.

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Police said Emilio George was selected to enter the confined tank because of his build and was fitted with a full-face breathing apparatus and safety equipment before being lowered into the tank.

Dairy Farm Workers Found Face-Down In Water

Authorities said the two men, who were employees at the dairy farm, were found face-down inside the tank beside the spiral cooling rod.

Rescue personnel carefully retrieved the bodies through a narrow opening before handing them over to emergency medical services.

Paramedics later declared both men dead at the scene.

Police Open Inquest Into Humansdorp Dairy Farm Deaths

Police confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Investigators are expected to examine what led to the workers ending up inside the milk cooling tank.

No further details surrounding the incident have yet been released.